Hansen Trims Welsh Squad To 42

18 July 2003 14:34

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Wales national coach Steve Hansen has trimmed his squad for the August internationals against Ireland, England, Romania and Scotland to 42 players.

Already ruled out of the original 55-man squad were Bath back row man Gareth Delve, who underwent a shoulder operation in the summer, Northampton Saints lock Steve Williams, who has retired from Test rugby, and Llanelli Scarlets centre Leigh Davies, who has withdrawn to concentrate on regaining full fitness.

Six more injured players have been excluded from the current training group to work under the guidance of Wales physio Mark Davies and fitness coach Andrew Hore; three further players have been sent back to their regions to work with their teams and Matthew Rees has been forced out because of injury.

"The six injured players - Kevin Morgan, Craig Morgan, Ryan Powell, Hal Luscombe, Matthew Watkins and Dafydd James - will all be working hard on their rehabilitation with Mark Davies and Andrew Hore," explained Hansen.

"At the moment it doesn't look as though either Kevin or Craig Morgan will be ready for the August Tests and we are awaiting to assess Dafydd James' shoulder problem when he returns from his honeymoon.

"The others all look as though they will be able to play some part in the four games, although the news on Matthew Rees is that he is likely to have to spend three months on the sidelines resting his pelvic problem.

"As regards the three players we have sent back to work with their clubs - Martyn Madden, Deiniol Jones and James Bater - I've told them all that the hard work they have already put in during the fitness testing will be of great value. They will all be considered for selection for the August games.

"We are required to declare our 30-man squad for the Rugby World Cup in the first week of September, but until that time the door remains open for any player to force his way into contention for a trip to Australia.

"We will be monitoring all the pre-season friendlies played by the new regional sides and will be keeping an open mind throughout our Test matches in August."

Wales and Ospreys back row James King, who came through the North Wales age grade system, nominated North Wales Regional Community Rugby Manager Marc Roberts, in the WRU's 'Diolch' initiative where squad players thanked those who played a part in their rise to the top.

Beating Merthyr has boosted Carmarthen Quins hopes of reaching a top eight spot in the Principality Premiership. Quins captain Haydn Pugh is delighted with his team's progress and is determined that everyone from the Under 6s through to the senior team, enjoys the ride.

When the Wales squad were asked to nominate individuals who played a big part in their early playing days, Wales and Dragons full back and wing Hallam Amos thought of his former Monmouth School rugby coach John Bevan.

Sam Cross and Luke Treharne have been named as co-captains of the Wales Sevens side as head coach Gareth Williams names his 12-man squad to play in the first leg of the HSBC World Series in Dubai next weekend.

Bedwas head coach Steve Law and players Nicky Griffiths and Alun Rees extol the virtues of the close knit club as they prepare to host third place RGC 1404 - who are one place head of them on the Principality Premiership points table - on Saturday.

Many of the Wales squad have said Diolch (thank you) to someone who played an important part in their early playing days by nominating them to be invited to the Wales v South Africa match. One person, Gowerton Comprehensive geography teacher Mr Dean Mason was nominated by two of his former pupils, Dan Biggar and Sam Davies.

The second WRU disability rugby pilot has been delivered, this time in Caerphilly schools, culminating in a festival at the Caerphilly Centre of Sporting Excellence, Ystrad Mynach tomorrow. Plans are in place to set up a Disability Rugby Club in Newbridge to provide long-term playing opportunities.

WRU TV: Hear from inside the Wales camp as Neil Jenkins discusses this weekend's clash with South Africa and how the squad are looking to put in a strong performance to round of the 2016 Under Armour Series